Methods for authenticating goods using randomly distributed flecks and serialization codes

ABSTRACT

An authentication method includes receiving, at a processor, a signal representing an image of a serialization code and multiple flecks of a label, the flecks having a random distribution. The processor detects the serialization code and applies a modification to the image to produce a modified image. A subset of flecks of the modified image is detected, and metrics associated with each fleck from the subset of flecks are identified. The identified metrics are compared with metrics associated with a unique signature, and a message is displayed, via a user interface, indicating an authenticity of the label based on the comparison.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/357,771, filed Jun. 24, 2021 and titled “Methods for AuthenticatingGoods Using Randomly Distributed Flecks and Serialization Codes,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods foridentifying and authenticating an object of interest, and particularlyto systems and methods for consumers to verify the authenticity of atangible product or good based on a unique signature associated with thegood.

BACKGROUND

The trade in counterfeit goods, worth billions of dollars each year, isa growing concern. It affects legitimate companies by violating theirtrademarks and devaluing corporate reputation. The trade in counterfeitgoods undercuts jobs that would otherwise be offered by legitimatecompanies. In some cases, the trade involves a highly sophisticatednetwork of organized crime, whose money may go to fund terrorism.Additionally, some counterfeit goods, such as medicines, can endangerthe safety and well-being of people consuming the counterfeit medicines.In the global market, as counterfeiting technologies become moresophisticated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determinewhether a good in the supply chain is authentic.

In addition to the trade in counterfeit goods, legitimate businessesmust combat gray market diversion of their goods. Gray market diversionoccurs when goods intended for a specific market are improperlyredirected to an alternative market, usually in violation of the intentof a brand owner of a product or in violation of legal channels. Thediverter can be any entity in the supply chain including, for example,distributors, wholesalers, retailers, organize crime, or another entity.It can be difficult to track movement of authentic goods after theydepart the manufacturer and are moved through the supply chain.

Counterfeit consumer products goods can resemble and/or closely imitateproducts fabricated by others. Counterfeit products are products ofinferior quality, which in some instances can compromise the safety andwell-being of consumers who are deceived into purchasing them unaware ofthe counterfeit product standards of manufacture practice, and overallquality. For example, counterfeit cosmetic products can include low costchemical reagents that are not approved for human consumption and thatcan induce chemical burns, allergic reactions, and even long-term healthproblems. Consumers lack sufficient access to methods and/ortechnologies to verify the authenticity of products and distinguish themfrom potential counterfeit products. Consequently, there is a need forimproved systems and methods for authenticating goods, allowingconsumers to detect and avoid counterfeit products, deterringcounterfeiting and diversion by providing for authentication andtracking of goods at the individual unit level as each individual unitis moved through the supply chain.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for identifying,tracking, tracing and determining the authenticity of a tangible productor good. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at aprocessor, a signal representing an image of a serialization code and aplurality of flecks of a label. The plurality of flecks can have arandom distribution. The method also includes detecting, via theprocessor, the serialization code, and applying a modification to theimage to produce a modified image. The method also includes identifying,via the processor and within the modified image, a subset of flecks fromthe plurality of flecks. The processor also identifies metricsassociated with each fleck from the subset of flecks; and compares theidentified metrics with metrics associated with a unique signature. Themethod also includes causing display, via a user interface, of a messageindicating an authenticity of the label based on the comparison.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a label. The label caninclude a substrate, a serialization code, and a plurality of flecks.The plurality of flecks can have a random distribution. The randomdistribution includes a plurality of different positions and a pluralityof different orientations relative to the substrate. At least a subsetof flecks from the plurality of flecks forms a unique signature that isassociated with a tangible product. The unique signature is configuredto be captured by an imaging device for verification of an authenticityof the tangible product.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium storesprocessor executable instructions to receive a signal representing animage of a unique signature. The unique signature includes aserialization code and a plurality of flecks, the plurality of fleckshaving a distribution of sizes, shapes, and/or positions (e.g.,positions within a two-dimensional area and/or depth positions). Theprocessor-executable instructions also include instructions to detectthe serialization code, and to apply a modification to the image toproduce a modified image. The processor-executable instructions alsoinclude instructions to identify, within the modified image, a subset offlecks from the plurality of flecks, and to compare the identifiedmetrics with metrics associated with the unique signature. Theprocessor-executable instructions also include instructions to causedisplay, via a user interface, of a message indicating an authenticityof the unique signature based on the comparison.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that the drawings primarily are for illustrativepurposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matterdescribed herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for authenticating atangible product according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a substrate of an apparatus forauthenticating a tangible product according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an image of an apparatus for authenticating a tangibleproduct according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an image of an imaging device to capture and store uniquesignatures associated with a plurality of apparatus for authenticatingtangible products.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an authentication method according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an image of a user interface for authenticating tangibleproducts according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for authenticating atangible product, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for authenticating atangible product, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for tracking and authenticating a tangible productor good are described herein. These systems and methods are useful toprevent the dissemination of counterfeit and diverted products or goods.The systems and methods described herein can be used by manufacturers,distributors, import and/or export authorities, wholesalers, retailers,law enforcement authorities, or others within a supply chain todetermine whether a product being handled is authentic, as well as totrack movement of the product or good through the supply chain.Additionally, the systems and methods described herein can be useddirectly by consumers to verify the authenticity of a product that aconsumer intends to acquire and/or use.

Known methods for preventing counterfeiting of products such as consumerproducts include serialization. Serialization is the process of creatingand applying unique identifiers, for example, bar codes, QR codes,serial numbers, RFIDs, or any other identifiers on the product such thatthe product can be identified and traced back to its origin at any pointin the supply chain. Most known products, for example, baby formula,baby food, cereal, shampoos, conditioners, medical products, and thelike, are provided with a single unique identifier, for example, aunique serialized bar code on the product container. However, the levelof protection against counterfeiting provided by a single identifier,(for example, a single bar code on a product container) is often notsufficient to prevent counterfeiting of the product. For example, ascounterfeiting technologies have become more sophisticated, such knownsingle identifiers can be duplicated and used on numerous packages tobypass known authentication systems.

Authentication systems and methods set forth herein facilitate theassociation of multiple unique identifiers with a single product, andthe multiple unique identifiers can be used in combination to determinethe authenticity of the single product. Systems and methods forauthentication of products described herein provide several advantages,including, for example: (i) multiple unique identifiers to providemultiple levels of protection against counterfeiting; (ii) storage ofserialization and authentication data on a secure cloud databaseseparate from a retail store database, (iii) enhanced protection againstcounterfeiting using combinations of QR codes, serial numbers, and imageidentifiers, making the collective identifiers difficult to replicate;(iv) ability to perform both tracking/tracing and authentication ofproducts using the same set of multiple unique identifiers; and (v)ability to integrate the system and method with existingtracking/tracing, serialization, and aggregation systems. Examples ofsuch tracking/tracing, serialization, and aggregation systems aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,488,842, titled “Systems and Methods forTracking and Authenticating Goods” issued on Jul. 16, 2013, U.S. Pat.No. 9,233,400, titled “Systems and Methods for Aggregating SerializedGoods” issued on Jan. 12, 2016, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,526 titled“Systems and Methods for Authenticating Goods” issued on Jul. 4, 2017,the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

As used herein, a “good” refers to any item, article, or product,including, but not limited to, a product label, identification card,product packaging, distribution packaging (e.g., a carton, box, pallet,or the like), pharmaceutical packaging (e.g., a carton, bottle, blisterpack, pouch, bag, label, or other container), a pharmaceutical unit ofsale (e.g., a testing strip, a medicament strip, patch, tablet, capsule,oral thin film, bioerodable mucoadhesive film, or the like), or anotherindividual unit, item, product, or article. For example, a good canrefer to a pharmaceutical, jewelry, beverage, cosmetic, electronicdevice, or any other product.

As used herein, the phrase “unique signature” refers to a feature orcombination of features that is unique to an individual good or aparticular good, and which can distinguish the particular good fromanother good (e.g., in a group of similar goods). Said another way, theunique signature is a characteristic of one particular good whichdistinguishes that good from a seemingly similar good. A good bearingthe unique signature is considered to be authentic. In this manner, theunique signature can be used to help determine whether a good isauthentic or counterfeit

As used herein, the term “bar code” refers to the representation of datain a visual, machine-readable form. Bar codes can represent data byusing parallel lines of varying widths and spacings (1-D bar codes) thatcan be read by optical scanners. A bar code may be typically rectangularin shape, and may be placed on a label, printed on an object, attachedto an object, or otherwise associated with an object to be identified.

As used herein, the term “QR code” refers to a machine-readable code,typically including bars, squares, rectangles, dots, hexagons, and othergeometrical patterns collectively referred to as matrix codes or 2-D barcodes. A QR code may be placed on a label, printed on an object,attached to an object, or otherwise associated with an object to beidentified.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” generally meanplus or minus 10% of the value stated, for example about 250 μm wouldinclude 225 μm to 275 μm, and approximately 1,000 μm would include 900μm to 1,100 μm.

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for authenticating a product, according toan embodiment. The apparatus 100 can be associated with a product orgood, for example during the initial manufacturing and/or packaging ofthe product, and then can be used by a consumer and/or a user toauthenticate the product and/or trace the product as it moves along asupply chain. The apparatus 100 can be a multilayer label that can beapplied onto a product or good or its packaging as a closing seal, andthat can comprise flecks (e.g., relatively small spots of color and/orreflectance), particles, or other three-dimensional objects disposed inand/or on the label. As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100, which canalso be referred to as the label 100 can include a substrate 110, anidentifier 130, and a serialization code 150. The identifier 130 and theserialization code 150 are disposed on the substrate 110 and areoperable to authenticate the consumer product associated to the label100. In some embodiments, the label 100 can be a used to authenticate aproduct or good associated with the label 100 when the identifier 130and the serialization code 150 are each authenticated in a successiveorder. In some implementations, a consumer and/or user can interact witheach of the identifier 130 and the serialization code 150 in apredefined sequence. Information about the identifier 130 and theserialization code 150 can be communicated to an external device (notshown) to determine the authenticity of the product, as furtherdescribed herein.

The substrate 110 can include one or more planar layers, sheets or filmsthat provides mechanical support and accommodates all the components ofthe label 100. The substrate 110 can be any suitable size, shape ormaterial. For example, in some embodiments the substrate 110 can have anoverall shape that is rectangular, circular, triangular, polyhedral, orany other suitable geometrical shape, and/or can include one or morelayers having a rectangular, circular, triangular, polyhedral, or anyother suitable geometrical shape. In other embodiments, the substrate110 can have an overall shape that is irregular. In some embodiments,the substrate 110 can be made of one or more polymeric materialsincluding, but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetates, and the like. In some embodiments,the substrate 110 can comprise paper and/or another textile such asnylon taffeta fabric.

In some embodiments, the substrate 110 includes multiple stacked layersincluding two or more top coatings 111, a plurality of film layers 116(one or more of which may be optically transparent), an adhesive layer114A (which optionally includes a plurality of flecks or otheridentifiers 130), a white base layer 115, a base adhesive layer 114B,and a release liner 112, as shown in FIG. 2A. The top coatings 111 caninclude a printable coating (e.g., to facilitate printing a QR code 150onto a white base layer 152, as shown in FIG. 2A and as furtherdescribed herein), a UV-based or water-based coating to protect the filmlayers 116 and/or to enhance printability, a UV-blocking layer toprotect one or more of the film layers 116, the adhesive layer 114A, thewhite base layer 115, the base adhesive layer 114B, or the release liner112, and/or another durable coating of film to protect one or morestructures of the substrate 110 from chemicals, UV light degradation,and/or scratches. The plurality of film layers 116 (also referred toherein as face stock layers 116) can include one or more “clear” (i.e.,optically transparent) coatings. Alternatively, or in addition, theclear face stock layers 116 can include a coating or a chemical additiveconfigured to impart specific optical characteristics and/or aestheticcharacteristics to the label 100. For example, in some embodiments theclear face stock layers 116 can include a coating that reflects light(e.g., to provide a gloss appearance), scatters light (e.g., to providea haze appearance), or blocks and/or absorbs light of specificwavelengths (e.g., to provide opacity). In some embodiments, the clearface stock layers 116 can include a coating with a predefined index ofrefraction. In some embodiments, the clear face stock layers 116 includea thick coating configured to accommodate one or more components of thelabel 100 at different depths from the external surface of the apparatus100, as further described herein. In some embodiments, the clear facestock layers 116 are used to at least partially accommodate and/or houseone or more components of the label 100, such as the identifier 130and/or the serialization code 150.

The white base layer 115 is mechanically coupled to the face stocklayers 116 via the adhesive layer 114A. The white base layer 115 can beconfigured to provide mechanical properties to the label 100. In someembodiments, the white base layer 115 has a thickness sufficient towithstand and/or resist mechanical deformation of the label 100 due toexposure to external force(s) during manufacturing and/or use of thelabel 100. In some embodiments, the white base layer 115 is the thickestlayer of the substrate 110. The white base layer can have an opacityrating of a minimum rating of about 80%, with an ideal range of about83% to about 94%, for example as measured using one or more standardizedmethods such as TAPPI T-425.

The adhesive layer 114A is disposed between the face stock layers 116and the white base layer 115, as shown in FIG. 2A. The base adhesivelayer 114B is configured to attach to and/or adhere to a surface of aconsumer product and/or its packaging, to secure (e.g., permanently) theapparatus 100 to that consumer product. The adhesive layer 114A and 114Bcan include one or more chemical species that form a bond between asurface of the label 100, within or between layers of the label 100,and/or with a surface of a consumer product. The adhesive layers 114Aand 114B can include one or more chemicals that impart specific adhesiveproperties including initial tack, ultimate adhesion, shear resistance,UV resistance, solvent resistance, mandrel hold, cold flow, minimumapplication temperature, and/or service temperature range. In someembodiments, the adhesive layer 114A and 114B can include a chemicalformulation compliant for indirect food contact (e.g., non-toxic and/ormeeting Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction ofChemicals (REACH), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and/orSafe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 requirements). Forexample, the chemical formulation will be non-toxic. In someembodiments, the adhesive layer 114A and 114B can include a chemicalformulation (e.g., including one or more of: an emulsion orsolvent-based acrylic adhesive, an emulsion or solvent-based naturalrubber based adhesive, an emulsion or solvent-based synthetic rubberbased adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a UV-curable adhesive) that isconfigured to form a strong bond with a specific desired material, suchas glass, paper, cardboard, metal or fabric. In some embodiments, theadhesive layer includes a chemical formulation (e.g., including one ormore of: an emulsion or solvent-based acrylic adhesive, an emulsion orsolvent-based natural rubber based adhesive, an emulsion orsolvent-based synthetic rubber based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or aUV-curable adhesive) suitable for adhering to the surface of a consumerproduct or its packaging even in the presence of one or more of: dirt,oil, or dust. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 114A and 114B caninclude a chemical formulation (e.g., including one or more of: anemulsion or solvent-based acrylic adhesive, an emulsion or solvent-basednatural rubber based adhesive, an emulsion or solvent-based syntheticrubber based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a UV-curable adhesive)that is formulated to flow at low temperatures, such that the apparatus100 can adhere to a consumer product or its packaging at very lowtemperatures not exceeding 32 F. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer114A and 114B can include a chemical formulation such as an emulsion orsolvent acrylic adhesive that is tolerant to moisture (e.g.,moisture-resistant or waterproof), such that the apparatus 100 canadhere to a consumer product or its packaging, and retain its associatedadhesive strength, even in high humidity environments. In other words,apparatuses 100 described herein can be compatible with environments inwhich liquids, gels and cremes are packaged. Such environments caninclude elevated temperatures to allow even/uniform flow of product intocontainers.

The release liner 112 can be a film or layer configured to isolateand/or protect the adhesive layer 114B prior the attaching the label 100to a consumer product or its packaging. The release liner 112 can bemade of paper or plastic, with or without recycled content, and can becoated on one or both sides with a release agent such as silicone, toprevent a bond from forming between a surface of the adhesive layer 114Band the release liner 112. In some embodiments, the release liner can besuitable for optical sensing. For example, the release liner can besufficiently transparent such that an optical signal can be transmittedthrough the release liner.

The identifier 130 of the label 100 can include a group of small flecks,particles, specks, spots, dots, whorls, arches, or any three-dimensionalobject or pattern, which are collectively referred to herein as “flecks”and that can be disposed on the substrate 110. The identifier 130 caninclude flecks of any suitable size, shape, and color. For example, insome embodiments, the flecks can be rectangular, circular, triangular,polyhedral, or any suitable geometrical shape. In other embodiments, theflecks can have an irregular shape. In some embodiments, each of theflecks can have the same geometrical shape. In other embodiments, theflecks can have multiple geometrical shapes. For example, in someembodiments, the flecks can include a first portion of flecks orparticles having a rectangular shape, a second portion of flecks orparticles having a circular shape, and a third portion of flecks orparticles having a triangular shape. In some embodiments, all orsubstantially all of the flecks can have approximately the same size,and in other embodiments, the flecks can have different sizes. In someembodiments, the flecks can be substantially planar. In otherembodiments, the flecks can be a three-dimensional shape. I someembodiments, the flecks can include a first portion of flecks having asubstantially planar shape, and a second portion of flecks having aspherical shape.

In some embodiments, the identifier 130 can include flecks made of oneor more materials including, but not limited to: metal, paper, plastic,glass, and/or ceramic. In some embodiments, the flecks can havepredefined optical properties. For example, in some embodiments, theflecks can be made of a highly reflective material or include a highlyreflective coating. In some embodiments, the flecks can include a firstportion of flecks made of highly reflective material, and a secondportion of flecks made of a non-reflective material. In someembodiments, the flecks can have one or more colors. For example, insome embodiments the flecks can be a single color. In some embodiments,the flecks can include a first portion of flecks having a first color,and a second portion of flecks having a second color different from thefirst color. In some embodiments, the flecks include a first portion offlecks having a first color, a second portion of flecks having a secondcolor different from the first color, and a third portion of fleckshaving a third color different from the first and the second color. Insome embodiments, the flecks include three or more portions of flecks,each having a different color. Alternatively or in addition, the fleckscan include two or more portions of flecks each having a different sizedistribution and/or shape distribution.

The identifier 130 can include flecks randomly distributed on and/orwithin the substrate 110. For example, in some embodiments, the flecksor particles can be randomly distributed on a single plane within thesubstrate 110 (e.g., the flecks are co-planar). Said another way, theflecks can be randomly distributed across the width and length of thesubstrate 110, at a single predefined depth from the most external orouter surface of the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the flecks canbe randomly distributed on and/or within the substrate 110 at varyingdepths, positions, and/or orientations within the substrate 110. In someembodiments, the flecks can be randomly distributed randomly distributedon and/or within the substrate 110 (e.g., in one or more of the adhesivelayer 214, the base layer 215, and/or a face stock layer 216) at varyingdepths, positions, and/or orientations, and include a portion of flecksmade of a reflective material so that the flecks or particles create adistinctive refractive/reflective pattern in response to illumination.

The serialization code 150 can be or represent a unique, traceableserial number that can be associated with a product (e.g., a consumerproduct) or good. In some embodiments, the serialization code 150 can beor include a QR code, a bar code (e.g., a 2-D bar code), a serialnumber, an RFID tag, an alphanumeric code, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the serialization code can be disposed on and/orwithin the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the serialization code150 can be disposed on and/or within the substrate 110 at a predefinedposition, depth, and orientation. For example, in some embodiments theserialization code 150 can be disposed on the most exterior surface ofthe substrate 110, optionally at the geometrical center of a surface ofthe apparatus 100 (e.g., at the center of the apparatus 110 with respectto the width and length of the label 100). Although described herein asa “white” base layer 115, the base layer 115 can alternatively be of anyother suitable color (e.g., black), or may be optically transparent.

In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 114A can be configured to attachto and/or adhere to a surface of a consumer product and/or itspackaging, to secure (e.g., permanently) the apparatus 100 to thatconsumer product, for example if the consumer product and or itspackaging has significant white color contrast. In some suchimplementations, one or more of the adhesive layer 114A, the white baselayer 115, the base adhesive layer 114B, or the release liner 112 isomitted from the substrate 110.

FIG. 2B shows an apparatus 200 for authenticating a product according toan embodiment. The apparatus 200 can be similar to or substantially thesame as one or more portions of the apparatus 100. For example, theapparatus 200 of FIG. 2B, which can also be referred to as the label200, includes a substrate 210, an identifier 230, and a serializationcode 250. The label 200 can be produced using one or more manufacturingmethods that can include, but are not limited to: casting, coating,lamination, screen printing, flexography, thermal printing, laserprinting, inkjet printing, digital printing, and/or the like. In someimplementations, the label 200 can be produced in large quantities usingone or more of the foregoing manufacturing techniques, with each label200 having a unique identifier 230 and a unique serialization code 250.For example, in some embodiments, the label 200 can be produced by (i)selecting rolls of suitable layer components including a release liner212, one or more adhesive layers 214, a base layer 215 and a face stocklayer 216, (ii) casting and/or laminating the selected rolls of layercomponents to produce a roll of the substrate 210, and (iii)incorporating a plurality of identifiers 230 and serialization codes 250on the roll of the substrate 210 using one or more printing methods,with one unique identifier 230 and one unique serialization codes 250per each apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the label 200 can beproduced by first disposing the unique identifier 230 on one or more ofthe layer components comprising the substrate 210 (e.g., the adhesivelayer 214, the base layer 215, and/or the face stock layer 216), andsubsequently casting and/or laminating the resulting layer componentcomprising the identifier 230 to the remaining layer components toproduce the substrate 210, and applying the unique serialization code250 to, or otherwise incorporating the unique serialization code 250into, the substrate 210, for example using one or more printing methods.In some embodiments, the unique identifier 230 and the uniqueserialization code 250 can be first disposed on one of the components ofthe substrate 210, for example the adhesive layer 214, the base layer215, or the face stock layer 216, and the resulting component comprisingthe unique identifier 230 and the unique serialization code 250 can thenbe casted and/or laminated with the other components to produce thelabel 200. In some embodiments, the unique identifier 230 and the uniqueserialization code 250 can be independently disposed on differentcomponents of the substrate 210, and then the components comprising theidentifier 230 and the serialization code 250 can be casted and/orlaminated to produce the label(s) 100.

As described above with reference to the identifier 130 of the label100, the identifier 230 can include a plurality of flecks 232. Theidentifier 230 can be fabricated by distributing a plurality of flecksin a unique and/or random distribution on the substrate 210 or on one ofthe components of the substrate 210 (e.g., the adhesive layer 214, thebase layer 215, or the face stock layer 216), as shown in FIG. 2B. Forexample, a fabrication system can be configured to distribute aplurality of substantially planar flecks 232 in a random pattern on theadhesive layer 214 (or a suitable portion thereof). In another example,a fabrication system including a printer (e.g., an ink jet printer) canbe programmed or otherwise configured to print a unique pattern offlecks onto the base layer 215, the face stock layer 216, a suitableportion of the base layer 215, or a suitable portion of the face stocklayer 216. In some embodiments, at least one of the face stock layer216, the base layer 215, or the adhesive layer 214 is transparent/clearsuch that the flecks and/or particles are visible in the apparatus 200,and can be view in two dimensions or in three dimensions. In someembodiments, the flecks 232 can be randomly disposed within the adhesivelayer 214 such that the flecks 232 are positioned at different locationsand/or with different orientations with respect to the outermost surfaceof the adhesive layer 214. In other words, the flecks can be randomlydistributed within the adhesive layer 214 at different depths from thesurface of the adhesive layer 214. Moreover, in some embodiments, theflecks can be disposed within the adhesive layer 214 at different depthsand forming different angles with respect to the surface of the adhesivelayer 214. In some embodiments, the flecks can be randomly disposed onthe adhesive layer 214 such that the face stock layer 216 or portionsthereof will be raised, thereby forming a unique three-dimensionalpattern.

The serialization code 250 can be fabricated by printing a bar code on apredefined portion or region of the label 200. For example, in someembodiments, the label 200 can be a planar rectangular-shaped multilayerlabel, and the serialization code 250 can be printed or disposed on thegeometrical center of the label, or on a region overlapping thegeometrical center of the label, or at another predefined location. Inother embodiments, the serialization code 250 can be printed or disposedin close proximity to one of the edges of the rectangular-shaped label200. In some embodiments, the serialization code 250 can be printed ordisposed on a predefined portion or region of the label 200, while theflecks 232 of the identifier 230 can be randomly disposed on the label200, such that the position of the serialization code 250 can be used asa reference point to describe, reference, or report the position of eachindividual fleck 232 disposed on the label 200. For example, in someembodiments, the label 200 can be a planar rectangular-shaped multilayerlabel that includes a serialization code 250 disposed on a predefinedregion of the label 200 (e.g., one corner of the label 200, near oneedge of the label 200, or near the geometrical center of the label 200)and a plurality of flecks 232 randomly distributed on the substrate 200such that the position of the each fleck 232 can be described,referenced, or reported with respect to the position of theserialization code 250.

In some embodiments, the label 200 is fabricated according to themethods and procedures disclosed above, and a series of subsequentprocedures or steps are performed in connection with the use of thelabel 200 to authenticate a product or good. The subsequent steps caninclude one or more of: commissioning the label 200, activating thelabel 200 and validating/authenticating the label 200. Each one of theforegoing procedures, methods or steps are further described herein.

Label Commissioning Procedure

In some embodiments, the commissioning of a label 200 involvesperforming a number of procedures or steps with the purpose of acquiringspecific information or data related to the identifier 230 and theserialization code 250 of each label 200 fabricated according to theprocedures described above. The commissioning of the label 200 caninclude one or more of documenting, recording, registering, orcataloging data associated with the serialization code 250 and/or theidentifier 230, to facilitate subsequent authentication of a product orgood that may be associated with said label 200. In some embodiments,the commissioning of a label 200 includes imaging the label 200 toproduce image data, reading and/or scanning the serialization code 250,storing the produced image data and the corresponding serialization code250 of the label 200 in a memory (e.g., in a database), analyzing theimage data with the purpose of documenting, recording, registering, orcataloging the color of at least a portion of the flecks 232 of theidentifier 230 as well as the orientation and/or the position of atleast a portion of the flecks 232 with respect to the position of theserialization code 250, and storing the documented color, orientation,and/or the position of the at least a portion of flecks 232 of theidentifier 230 on said database. Further details on the commissioning ofthe apparatus 200 are discussed below.

FIG. 3 shows an imaging system 360 that can be used to commission aplurality of labels 300 by capturing, storing and analyzing images ofsaid plurality of labels 300. The labels 300 can be similar to orsubstantially the same as one or more portions of the apparatus 100 andthe apparatus 200 previously disclosed. For example, the each of thelabels 300 can include a substrate 310, an identifier 330, and aserialization code 350. The identifier 330 and the serialization code350 of the label 300 can be characterized using the imaging system 360.The imaging system 360 can be configured to characterize the pluralityof labels 300 by capturing image data of at least a portion of theidentifier 330 of the label 300, reading the unique serialization code350 of the label 300, storing the image data and the serialization code350, analyzing the stored image data to identify one or morecharacteristics such as the color, position and orientation of at leasta portion of the flecks 332 comprising the identifier 330, and storingthe identified one or more characteristics.

The imaging system 360 can include a conveyor system 362, an imagecapture device 363, a light source 364, code reader 365, and a processor366 (not shown in FIG. 3 ). The imaging system can also be electricallycoupled to a database 367 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) configured to storedata generated by the imaging system 360, as further described herein.The conveyor system 362 of the imaging system 360 can be any suitabledevice configured to transport a plurality of labels 300 to an imagingarea comprising the image capture device 363, the light source 364, andthe code reader 365. In some embodiments, the conveyor system 362 can beconfigured to support a roll of a substrate 310 comprising a pluralityof labels 300 disposed on the substrate 300, as shown in FIG. 3 , tofacilitate commissioning a plurality of labels 300 in a continuousand/or automated approach.

The image capture device 363 of the imaging system 360 can include animage sensor, camera, or other imaging technology configured to capturean image of or otherwise read the label 300 identifier 330. In someembodiments, the image capture device 363 can be configured to read orcapture an image of each label 300 identifier 330 using at least one ofno magnification, low-magnification (e.g., up to about 10×) orhigh-magnification (e.g., in some embodiments, at least about 10×, atleast about 30×, or at least about 50× magnification). The image capturedevice 363 can be configured to capture one or more images of theidentifier 330 with pixel sizes sufficient to permit a processor (notshown in FIG. 3 ) to process the images, as described in more detailherein. For example, in some embodiments, the image capture device 363can capture one or more images of the identifier 330 with the imageshaving pixel sizes of about 0.001 inches.

The image capture device 363 can be configured to quickly capture one ormore images of the identifier 330 corresponding to each label 300. Forexample, in some embodiments, the image capture device 363 can beconfigured to capture the identifier 330 image in such a short period oftime that line speed (e.g., a speed at which the good is moved through aproduction line) is not adversely affected. The image capture device 363can be included in or used with a system in place in a manufacturingfacility for quality inspection of the label 300. In this manner, theimage capture device 363 can be integrated into a manufacturing processwith little to no adverse impact on the manufacturing production ratefor the label 300.

In some embodiments, the image capture device 363 includes at least oneof complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (“CMOS”) technology orcharge-coupled device (“CCD”) technology. For example, the image capturedevice 363 can include an image sensor including at least one of a CMOSor CCD array, along with associated electronics as included in knownmachine vision systems. The image capture device 363 can be configuredto detect unique features in the captured image such that the detectedunique features can be associated with the identifier 330 of a label300, a s further described herein.

The light source 364 of the imaging system 360 can be configured toproduce light to illuminate at least a portion of the label 300 in orderto capture images of the identifier 330 and/or the serialization code350, and in this manner, facilitate distinguishing aspects of theidentifier 330 as read or captured by the imaging system 360. In someembodiments, the light source 364 can be configured to produce lightthat is on at least one of the visible, ultraviolet or infraredwavelengths. In this manner, for example, the light source 364 can beconfigured to facilitate viewing of an identifier 330 comprising aplurality of flecks 332 that may be fluorescent. In some embodiments,the light source 364 can be configured to produce light in a variety ofconfigurations based on a number of lighting characteristics, including,for example, an amount of illumination (e.g., a specified number oflights), an angle at which light is directed at the unique signature(the “angle of incidence”), a color wavelength of the light,polarization of the light waves or beams, a degree of coherency of thelight waves, a degree of diffusion or focus of the light, or anycombination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the light source 364of the imaging system 360 can be configured to illuminate the label 300using a set of predefined lighting characteristics selected to ensurethat each label 300 is imaged using optimal, stable, and reproducibleconditions.

In some embodiments, the light source 364 of the imaging system 360 caninclude any suitable type of light including, for example, a lightemitting diode (“LED”), an incandescent light, a fluorescent light, anultraviolet light, or another suitable type of light. For example, insome embodiments, the light source 364 can include an LED array. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, the light source can include aplurality of banks of LED arrays. Each bank of LEDs can selectively beturned on to emit light or turned off for a particular lightingconfiguration. As such, the banks of LEDs can generate multiple lightingconfigurations based on whether each bank of LEDs is turned on or off.The light source 364 can have an exponential number of lightingconfigurations based on the number of light arrays, as well as the otherlighting characteristics noted above, or combination of thereof.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the imaging system 360 can include achamber or other designated area in which the label 300 can bepositioned for being illuminated by the light source 364. In that way,each label 300 can be imaged by the imaging system 360 under controlledand reproducible lighting conditions.

The code reader 365 can be configured to read/and or scan theserialization code 350 of each label 300. For example, in someembodiments, the serialization code 350 can be printed on label 300, andthe code reader 365 can be configured to read the printed serializationcode 350. In reading the serialization code 350, in some embodiments thecode reader 365 can be configured to read instructions included in thecode for any specified light characteristics that should be applied orproduced by the light source 364 to accurately capture one or moreimages of the label 300. The instructions may specify a lightingconfiguration, including, for example, an amount of illumination (e.g.,a specified number of lights), an angle of incidence, a color wavelengthof the light, polarization of the light waves or beams, a degree ofcoherency of the light waves, a degree of diffusion or focus of thelight, or any combination of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the imaging system 360 can be configured tocompress, or otherwise alter, a file including the captured image dataand/or data related to the identifier 330 for each label 300; forexample, to facilitate transmission of the captured image and/or datafrom the imaging system 360 to a database 367, as further disclosedherein.

The processor 366 of the imaging system 360 can configured to detectunique aspects of the images associated with the identifier 350 of alabel 300. The processor 366 can be configured to process (e.g., byexecuting an algorithm) the captured image of a label 300 in a mannersufficient to detect one or more distinguishing features of the label300 including at least a portion of the identifier 330, and theserialization code 350. The processor 366 can be configured to detectunique aspects related to the shape, spacing, size, pattern, shading, orthe like, exhibited by the identifier 330 of a label 300. For example,when the identifier 330 of a label 300 includes flecks 332, theprocessor 366 of the imaging system 360 can be configured to detect thedistribution of the flecks 332 (e.g., with respect to a reference point,the serialization code 350 of said label 300, other flecks 332, oranother portion of the label 300) in at least one of a two-dimensionalor three-dimensional space, the size of the flecks, the elevation,depth, or other three-dimensional characteristic of the flecks (e.g.,with respect to a surface of the good). For example, in some embodimentsthe processor 366 of the imaging device 360 can be configured to detectthe position of the serialization code 350 of a label 300, and generatea cartesian coordinate system (X,Y) centered on the position of theserialization code 350 or a portion of thereof. The position and/orlocation of at least a portion of the flecks 332 detected by theprocessor 366 of the imaging system 360 can then be documented,recorded, registered, cataloged or described using the cartesiancoordinate system (X,Y) centered on the position of the serializationcode 350 or a portion of thereof. In some embodiments, the cartesiancoordinate system (X,Y) can be generated such that the position of theindividual flecks 332 detected by the processor 366 of the imagingsystem 360 can be described in SI derived units or any other commonlyused unit of length (e.g., cm, μm inch, etc). In another example, theprocessor 366 of the imaging system 360 can be configured to detect theposition of a geometrical center of the serialization code 350 of anlabel 300, and generate a cartesian coordinate system (X,Y) centered onthe position of said geometrical center of the serialization code 350.The positions and/or locations of at least a first fleck 1, a secondfleck 2, a third fleck 3, a fourth fleck 4, and a fifth fleck 5 detectedby the processor 366 of the imaging system 360 can then be documentedrecorded, registered, cataloged or described as a group of coordinates(X1,Y1), (X2,Y2), (X3,Y3), (X4,Y4), and (X5,Y5) corresponding to theposition of the first fleck 1, first fleck 1, a second fleck 2, a thirdfleck 3, a fourth fleck 4, and a fifth fleck 5 respectively.

In some embodiments, the processor 366 of the imaging system 360 can beconfigured to detect unique aspects related to color variation of orshading caused by the flecks 332 of the identifier 330 (e.g., which mayoccur by the scattering or reflection of light during the imagingprocess), one or more colors of the flecks 332, or another unique aspectof one or more flecks 332. In particular, the colors of the flecks 332comprised by the identifier 330 of a label 300, as detected by theprocessor 366 of the imaging system 360, can vary because of thedifferent indices of refraction of the flecks 332 resulting from theirdifferent orientations, sizes, shapes and/or thickness, relativeposition within the substrate 310 of the label 300, or a combinationthereof. The color(s) of at least a portion of the flecks 332 of theidentifier 330 can be recorded by the processor 366 and can be used toauthenticate a product or good associated with a label 300, as furtherdescribed herein. In some embodiments, a plurality of flecks 332 of theidentifier 330 can include individual flecks 332 of different colors.Said another way, a plurality of flecks 332 of the identifier 330 caninclude a first group of flecks 332 having a first color, a second groupof flecks 332 having a second color, the second color being differentfrom the first color, a third group of flecks 332 having a third color,the third color being different from the color of the first and thesecond group of flecks, and so on up to an n^(th) group of flecks 332having an n^(th) color, the n^(th) color being different from all thecolors of the first, second, third and (n−1)^(th) groups of flecks 332.In another example, a label 300 can include a plurality of flecks 332comprising at least one red fleck 332, at least one blue fleck 332, atleast one yellow fleck 332, at least one green fleck 332, and/or atleast one fleck 332 of one or more different colors. Any suitable numberof different colored flecks 332 may be used, including one or moreflecks 332 of one, two, three, four, or more different colors

The processor 366 can quantify the color of the flecks 332 of theidentifier 330 by analyzing an image of the label 300 captured by theimaging system 360, detecting a region of the image where a particularfleck 332 has been identified (as further described herein), using imageprocessing methods reading the relative intensity of each pixel locatedin the region of the image where that particular fleck 332 was detectedin the red/blue/green additive color model RGB, and reporting an RGBvalue characteristic of the color of said particular fleck 332. Forexample, for a particular fleck 332 detected by the imaging system 360the color of the fleck at a given pixel associated to or positioned onthe region where the fleck 332 was detected can be expressed by thesuperimposed intensities of the red, green, and blue lights captured bythe detector of the image capture device 363 (e.g., the CMOS or CCDdetector) as an RGB triplet (r,g,b) at that pixel. If the superimposedintensities of the red, green, and blue lights captured by the detectorcorrespond to zero intensity, that is the RGB triplet is (0,0,0), thecolor of the fleck 332 is defined as being black. Similarly, if thesuperimposed intensities of the red, green, and blue lights captured bythe detector correspond to a predefined maximum intensity m, that is theRGB triplet is (m,m,m) the color of the fleck 332 is defined as beingwhite. In some embodiments, prior to imaging a plurality of a pluralityof labels 300 (e.g., a roll comprising a large number of labels 300fabricated according to the methods and techniques previously described)the imaging system 360 can be subjected to a white balancing procedureconfigured to adjust how the colors are rendered on the images bynormalizing the intensity of the detector of the image capture device363 with respect to a predefined or a measured intensity, for example,by taking the intensity of an image of a known reference color undercontrolled lighting conditions. In some embodiments, the imaging system360 can be subjected to a white balancing procedure every time apredefined number of labels 300 have been imaged. In some embodiments,the imaging system 360 can be subjected to a white balancing procedureevery time a predefined number of hours of operation of the imagingdevice 360 is reached. In some embodiments, the imaging system 360 canbe subjected to a white balancing procedure every time apredefinednumber of images have been recorded.

The database 367 of the imaging system 360 can be configured to be inelectrical communication with the imaging system 360. The database 367can be in electrical communication with the imaging system 360 in anysuitable manner, including, for example, directly via wired or wirelesselectrical connections, indirectly via an intervening system, network,intranet, internet, cloud, or the like, or any combination of theforegoing. The database 367 can be configured to receive information ordata from the imaging system 360. For example, the database 367 can beconfigured to receive from the imaging system 360 one or more images ofa label 300 including images of at least a portion of the identifier 330and the serialization code 350 of said label 300, data associated withthe one or more images of the portion of the identifier 330 and theserialization code 350 of said label 300, and/or data associated withthe characterization of the identifier 330 or its image (e.g., thecolor, the orientation and/or the position of at least a portion theflecks 332 comprised by the identifier 330, or metrics thereof).

The database 367 can be configured to store the information receivedfrom the imaging system 360. For example, the database 367 can beconfigured to store at least one of the captured images of theidentifier 330, information or data associated with the captured images,information or data associated with the characterization of theidentifier 330 such as for example, the color at least a portion of theflecks 332, and the orientation, and/or the position of at least aportion of the flecks 332 with respect to the position of theserialization code 350, or a combination of the foregoing. In someembodiments, the database 367 can be configured to store the capturedimages in a manner that the captured images are electronically linkedwith other information or data associated with the captured images orthe characterization of the identifier 350 that is also stored by thedatabase. In this manner, when the captured images are retrieved fromthe database 367, the linked information or data is retrieved, or iseasily retrievable, with the captured image, or vice versa. In someembodiments, the database 367 can be configured for long-term orpermanent storage of the information received from the imaging system360, and can include, for example, a hard drive system.

The database 367 can be configured to be in electrical communicationwith external devices and/or components in addition to the imagingsystem 360. For example, in some embodiments, the database 367 can be inelectrical communication with a computing device of a user. Thecomputing device of said user can include a handheld device (e.g., ascanner, a Smartphone with camera, a computer tablet, an SMS device)configured to image an label 300 which has been previously associatedwith product or good, as further disclosed herein. The database 367 canbe placed in communication with the computing device of a user such thatinformation associated with the serialization code 350 and the uniqueidentifier 330 of a label 300 has been previously associated withproduct or good, can be transmitted from the computing device of theuser to the database 367 (e.g., independently of the imaging system 360)for storage therein. In some embodiments, the database 367 can beconfigured to store a record of each query transmitted from a computingdevice of a user.

Label Activation Procedure

As discussed above, the commissioning of a label 300 can includeperforming a number of procedures or steps with the purpose of acquiringspecific information or data related to the identifier 330 and theserialization code 350 of the label 300. Upon commissioning, a label 300can be activated by evaluating the validity of the label 300 and thenassociating the label 300 with a product or good in such a way that thelabel 300 facilitates tracking the product or good as it moves along thesupply chain, and/or to verify the authenticity of product or good by auser or consumer. For example, in some embodiments, a reader device 380can be configured to read the serialization code 350 of a commissionedlabel 300, and query information stored in the database 367 foranalyzing information associated with the read serialization code 350against the stored information and evaluate the validity of the label300. The commissioned label 300 can then be associated to a product orgood by for example, applying the label 300 onto the packaging of saidproduct or good at (or aligned with) a predefined location, and linkingthe information of said product to the label 300 (e.g., by storing anassociation between the label 300 and the product or good in a memory,for example as an entry in a database), thereby activating the label300. The applying the label 300 onto the packaging of said product orgood can occur, for example, any point in a distribution channel, at apackaging facility, at a wholesaler, at a retailer, at customs (e.g., ifthe good is being imported and/or exported), upon delivery to aconsumer, or at another point in the supply chain.

In some embodiments, the reader device 380 can include a handheld device(e.g., a scanner, a smartphone with camera, a computer tablet, a shortmessage service (SMS) device) or a portable field device. In thismanner, at least a portion of the reader device 380 is generally mobileand can be easily transported between and/or around shipping vessels,warehouses, or other locations, for associating products or goods with aplurality of labels 300 at various locations in the supply chain orgovernment customs site. In some embodiments, the reader device 380 caninclude a stationary component, such as a flat-bed scanner. The readerdevice 380 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as one ormore portions (and/or combination of portions) of the imaging system 360described above. For example, the reader device 380 can include an imagecapture device, a light source, code reader, and a processor, similar tothe image capture device 363, the light source 364, the code reader 365,and the processor 366. Consequently, the reader device 380 and/oraspects thereof are not described in further detail herein.

In some embodiments, the reader device 380 can be configured to read theserialization code 350 of a commissioned label 300 in order to evaluatethe validity of the label 300. In addition to reading the serializationcode 350, the reader device 380 can be configured to image at least aportion of the unique identifier 330 of a commissioned label 300,analyze the captured images, process (e.g., by executing an algorithm)the captured images of the label 300 in a manner sufficient to detectone or more distinguishing features of the label 300 (e.g., the color,position, and/or orientation of a portion of the flecks 332 comprisingthe identifier 330), and query the database 367 for analyzinginformation associated with the color, position, and/or orientation ofthe portion of the flecks 332 comprising the identifier 330 against thestored information and evaluate the validity of the label 300, providingtwo layers of security to the activation process. The commissioned label300 can then be associated to a product or good by for example, applyingthe label 300 to the packaging of said product or good at a specifiedpoint, and linking the information of said product or good to thespecific label 300, therefore activating the label 300. In someembodiments, linking the information of a product or good with a label300 can include storing information specific to the product or good onthe database 367 along with the data associated with the capturedimages, information or data associated with the characterization of theidentifier 330 such as for example, the color at least a portion of theflecks 332, and the orientation, and/or the position of at least aportion of the flecks 332 with respect to the position of theserialization code 350, or a combination of the foregoing. In someembodiments, the information of the product or good used to link theproduct or good with a label 300 can include information related to oneor more characteristics of the product, including, but not limited tothe product serial number, color, technical specifications, productionbatch number, country of origin, expiration date, and/or targetedmarket. In some embodiments, the information of the product or goodbeing associated with a label 300 can be entered to the database 367manually (e.g., by a consumer or user) with the aid of the reader device380. In some embodiments, the information of the product or good beingassociated with a label 300 can be entered automatically by the readerdevice 380 by capturing images or reading other serialization codesdescribing the one or more characteristics of the product as displayedon the product itself, or on its packaging.

Label Authentication Procedure

A product or good that has been associated with an activated,commissioned label 300 can subsequently be authenticated by a userand/or a consumer. As such, the product or good can be authenticatedand/or traced throughout its movement through the supply chain untilreaching a final consumer. For example, the product or good can bescanned at one or more of a shipping facility, a customs facility, awarehouse, a wholesaler, a retailer, a pharmacy, or at a location of afinal consumer of said product or good. In some embodiments, a productor good can be interrogated once, twice, three, four or more times asthe product or good is being moved through the supply chain. A user or aconsumer can authenticate a product or good that has been associatedwith a label 300 by using a consumer handheld device (e.g., a Smartphonewith camera, a computer tablet, an SMS device, a smart watch or thelike), as shown in FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the consumer handhelddevice can be similar to and/or substantially the same as one or moreportions (and/or combination of portions) of the reader device 380described above. For example, the consumer handheld device can includean image capture device, a light source, a code reader, and a processor,similar to those described in reference to the reader device 380.Consequently, the consumer handheld device and/or aspects thereof arenot described in further detail herein.

A consumer can use his or her consumer handheld device to authenticate aproduct or good associated with a label 300 by capturing images of thelabel 300 using the image capture device (e.g., the built-in camera ofthe handheld device), modifying the images to produce modified images,characterizing the identifier 330 and the serialization code 350 byprocessing the modified images, identifying within the modified images aportion of flecks 332 of the identifier 330, identifying metricsassociated with said portion of flecks 332, comparing the identifiedmetrics with metrics associated with the flecks 332 of the label 300,and displaying, based on the comparison, a message indicating theauthenticity of the label 300 and the product or good associated withthe label 300. Further details of the authentication of a label 300 aredisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method 4000 for tracking andauthenticating a product or good associated to an apparatus 400according to an embodiment. The apparatus 400 can be similar to orsubstantially the same as one or more portions of the apparatus 100, 200and 300 described above. For example, the apparatus 400, which can alsobe referred to as the label 400, can include a substrate 410, anidentifier 430, and a serialization code 450. The authentication method400 can be performed by a consumer and/or user, for example, using alabel 400 associated with a product or good, and a consumer handhelddevice. The authentication of a label 400 and a product or goodassociated with the label 400 can be initiated by using the consumerhandheld device to capture a plurality of images of the label 400 andtransmitting and/or transferring said images to the processor of theconsumer handheld device

At 4100, the processor of the consumer handheld device receives a signalrepresenting an image (e.g., captured by the camera of the consumerhandheld device) of a serialization code and a plurality of flecks of alabel 400, the plurality of flecks having a random distribution. Thefirst image can be analyzed by the processor of the handheld device todetect the serialization code 450 and at least a portion of theidentifier 450 of the label 400. In particular, the first image caninclude at least a portion of the flecks 432 of the identifier 430.

At 4110, the processor of the consumer handheld device processes (e.g.,by executing an algorithm) the image of the label 400 to detect one ormore distinguishing features of the label 400, including theserialization code 450. The processor of the consumer handheld devicecan be configured to detect unique aspects related to the shape,spacing, size, pattern, shading, or the like, exhibited by serializationcode 450 of the label 400. The processor of the consumer handheld devicecan be configured to determine whether the serialization code 450 ispresent in the image. If the serialization code 450 is not present inthe first image, the processor can cause the interface of the consumerhandheld device to display a message indicating that another image needsto be captured. This process can be repeated until the processor cansuccessfully determine that the serialization code 450 is present in animage captured by the consumer handheld device. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the processor can be configured to cause the interface ofthe consumer handheld device to display a message indicating that thelabel 400 could not be authenticated.

At 4120, a modification is applied to the image (e.g., by the processorof the consumer handheld device and/or by one or more remote processorsin network communication with the consumer handheld device). In someimplementations, the modification is applied to the image in response tothe serialization code 450 being detected at 4110 but not sufficientlyreadable (e.g., the bars, features and/or alphanumeric code associatedwith the serialization code are not clearly or fully resolvable,detectable, or displayed in the image). The processor(s) can beconfigured to perform a number of image modification proceduresincluding deskew (e.g., straighten bent, contorted, angled, deformed orbowed images), despeckle and noise removal, black border removal,deformation correction, inverse text correction, line removal, streakremoval, smoothing, light an color balancing, resizing and scaling,rotating, convoluting and the like, to produce a modified image in whichthe serialization code 450 can be accurately read. The processor of thehandheld device can be configured to perform one or more imagemodification procedures and then evaluate the modified image to evaluateif the serialization code 450 can be accurately read. In the event thatthe serialization code 450 can be read, the processor can be configuredto read the serialization code 450. In some embodiments, the processorof the consumer handheld device can be configured to further modify theimage by applying a white balancing procedure as described above withreference to the processor 366 of the imaging system 360. In the eventthat the serialization code 450 cannot be read from the modified image,the processor can cause the interface of the consumer handheld device todisplay a message indicating that the label 400 and the product or goodassociated with the label 400 have not been authenticated.Alternatively, processor can cause the interface of the consumerhandheld device to display a message indicating that a new image needsto be captured.

At 4130, a subset of flecks 432 of the identifier 430 is identified(e.g., by the processor of the consumer handheld device and/or by theone or more remote processors) from within the modified image. In someembodiments, identifying a subset of flecks 432 of the identifier 430includes processing the captured image. Processing the captured imagecan include running an algorithm configured to detect uniquecharacteristics of the flecks in the captured image. For example, theprocessing can include detecting the size, the shape, the color and/orthe elevation of the flecks respect to a surface of the label 400. Insome embodiments, the processor can be configured to identify within themodified image a subset of flecks 432 of the identifier 430 by using,for example, a computer vision engine and/or a machine learning engine.In some embodiments, the computer vision engine can separate foregroundobjects (e.g., objects that resemble a fleck 332) from backgroundobjects (e.g., the color substrate 410 of the label 400 away from flecks332, the serialization code 450 or any other feature included in thelabel 400). After processing the figure, the computer vision engine cangenerate information streams of observed features on the figure (e.g.,the color, shape, size and relative position of a fleck 332).

In some embodiments, the processor of the handheld device can identifywithin the modified image a subset of flecks 432 based on a predefinedfleck 432 size. For example, in some embodiments, the fleck 432 size canbe about 150 μm, about 200 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 500 μm,about 600 μm, or about 650 μm, inclusive of all values and rangestherebetween. In other embodiments, the size of the flecks 432 can bebetween 200 and 250 μm, between 200 and 300 μm, between 300 and 400 μm,between 300 and 500 μm, between 400 and 600 μm, or between 200 and 650μm inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In the event thatthe number of flecks 432 identified within the modified image based on apredefined fleck 432 size is smaller than 15, the processor can causethe interface of the consumer handheld device to display a messageindicating that the label 400 and the product or good associated withthe label 400 have not been authenticated

In some embodiments, the processor of the handheld device can identifywithin the modified image a subset of flecks 432 based on a predefinedfleck 432 shape, characterized by a fleck 432 shape ratio (e.g., theratio of the dimension of a fleck 432 in a first direction with respectto the dimension of that fleck 432 in a second direction different fromthe first direction. For example, in some embodiments, the flecks 432ratio can be no more than 1.00, no more than 0.950, no more than 0.900,no more than 0.850, or no more than 0.800, inclusive of all values andranges therebetween. In some embodiments the flecks 432 ratio can be atleast about 0.800, at least about 0.850, at least about 900, at leastabout 950 at least about 1.00, at least about 1.050, at least about1.100 inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In the event thatthe number of flecks 432 identified within the modified image based on apredefined fleck 432 shape is smaller than 15, the processor can causethe interface of the consumer handheld device to display a messageindicating that the label 400 and the product or good associated withthe label 400 have not been authenticated

In some embodiments, the processor of the handheld device can identifywithin the modified image a subset of flecks 432 based on a predefinednumber of flecks 432. For example, in some embodiments, the number offlecks 432 can be no more than 50, no more than 45, no more than 40, nomore than 35, no more than 30, or no more than 25 inclusive of allvalues and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the number offlecks 432 can be at least about 15, at least about 18, at least about20, at least about 23, at least about 25, at least about 30, at leastabout 45, or at least about 50 inclusive of all values and rangestherebetween.

At 4140, metrics associated with each fleck from the subset of flecks432 identified at 4130 are identified (e.g., by the processor of thehandheld device and/or by the one or more remote processors). In someembodiments, the processor can be configured to detect or identify theposition of the serialization code 450 and generate a cartesiancoordinate system (X,Y) centered on the position of the serializationcode 450 or a portion of thereof (e.g., the geometrical center of theserialization code 450, a predefined edge of the serialization code 450,or the like) such that the position and/or location of each fleck 432 ofthe subset of flecks 432 identified at 4130 can be described using thecartesian coordinate system (X,Y) centered on the position of theserialization code 450.

In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to detect oridentify the color of each fleck from the subset of flecks 432identified at 4130. In some embodiments, the processor can be configuredto read the relative intensity of each pixel in the red/blue/greenadditive color model RGB, and report an RGB value characteristic of thecolor of said particular fleck 332, as described above with reference tothe processor 366 of the imaging system 360.

At 4150, the identified metrics are compared with a unique signature(e.g., via the processor of the handheld device and/or by the one ormore remote processors), the unique signature including the metrics ordata stored on the database 467 and associated with the characterizationof the identifier 430. The data stored on the database 467 andassociated with the characterization of the identifier 430 can includethe color of at least a portion of the flecks 432, and the orientation,and/or the position of at least a portion of the flecks 432 with respectto the position of the serialization code 450, as described above withrespect to the commissioning of the label 300. In some embodiments, theprocessor is configured to execute an algorithm to analyze the uniquesignature. For example, the processor can be configured to execute analgorithm (e.g., an automated algorithm) for statistical comparison ofthe identified metrics against the unique signature stored on thedatabase 467, in which the algorithm can include mutual information,Pearson's chi-square and/or x-squared tests, Spearman's rank correlationcoefficient (or Spearman's rho), another statistical correlation, or anycombination of the foregoing. Additionally, the processor can beconfigured to include a neural network, a support vector machine,another statistical learning tool or algorithm, or any combination ofthe foregoing, to facilitate the comparison.

In some embodiments, when the comparison of the identified metrics of afleck of the subset of flecks 432, particularly the positions and/orlocation of the fleck 432, with the positions and/or location of theflecks 430 recorded during the commissioning of the label 400 is deemedto exceed a predefined magnitude, said fleck 432 of the subset of flecks432 is designated as non-matching. In some embodiments, said predefinedmagnitude can be no more than 200 μm. In the event that fewer than apredefined number of flecks (e.g., 15 flecks) from the subset of flecks432 identified at step 4130 are deemed to be a match, the processor ofhandheld device can cause the interface of the consumer handheld deviceto display a message indicating that the label 400 and the product orgood associated with the label 400 have not been authenticated.

At 4160, the processor of the handheld device can cause the interface ofthe consumer handheld device to display an indication of an authenticityof the label based on the comparison. In the event that 15 flecks ormore from the subset of flecks are deemed to be a match at step 4150,the processor of handheld device can cause the interface of the consumerhandheld device to display a message indicating that the label 400 andthe product or good associated with the label 400 have been successfullyauthenticated.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor of the handheld devicecan be further configured to evaluate the relative brightness of eachone of the flecks 432 from the subset of flecks 432 deemed to be a matchat 4160. The processor can be configured to evaluate the brightness ofeach fleck 432 of the flecks 432 and compare its brightness with apredefined value of brightness (e.g., a brightness that can be describedas a glowing fleck 432). In the event that at least 3 of the flecks 432from the subset of flecks 432 deemed to be a match at 4160 have abrightness exceeding the predefined level of brightness, the processorcan cause the interface of the consumer handheld device to display amessage indicating that the label 400 and the product or good associatedwith the label 400 have been successfully authenticated.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of an apparatus 500 forauthenticating a tangible product according to an embodiment. Theapparatus 500 can be similar to or substantially the same as one or moreportions of the apparatus 100 and/or 200. Thus, portions of theapparatus 500 may not be described in further detail herein. Theapparatus 500, which can also be referred to as the label 500, includesa substrate 510, an identifier 530, and a serialization code (notshown). The substrate 510 includes multiple stacked layers including atop coating 511, a face stock layer 516, an adhesive layer 514A (alsoreferred to herein as an “under coating,” and which includes theidentifier 530, for example flecks), and a white base layer 515. Theadhesive layer 114A can be pre-mixed with the identifier 130 and thencast and/or coated onto the white base layer 515. The adhesive layer514A can be coupled to the face stock layer 516 and the top coating 511to provide protection of the components of the label 500 againstchemicals, UV light degradation, scratches and the like. The identifier530 of the label 500 can be similar or substantially similar to theidentifier 130 described with respect to the apparatus 100. That is, insome implementations, the identifier 530 can include a group of smallflecks, particles, specks, spots, dots, whorls, arches, or anythree-dimensional object or pattern, which are collectively referred toherein as “flecks.” The face stock layer 516 can include, for example,biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of an apparatus 600 forauthenticating a tangible product according to an embodiment. Theapparatus 600 can be similar to or substantially the same as one or moreportions of the apparatus 100, 200, and/or 500. Thus, portions of theapparatus 600 may not be described in further detail herein. Theapparatus 600, which can also be referred to as the label 600, includesa substrate 610, an identifier 630, and a serialization code (notshown). In this embodiment, the substrate 610 includes multiple stackedlayers including a top coating 611, a face stock layer 616, a topcoating 611A (also referred to as an under coating), an adhesive layer614A, and a white base layer 615. In this embodiment, the top coating611, the face stock layer 616, the under coating 611A, and the adhesivelayer 614A are configured to collectively accommodate and/or house theidentifier 630, as shown in FIG. 7 . The identifier 630 of the label 600can be similar or substantially similar to the identifiers 130, 230, and530 described with respect to the apparatus 100, 200, and 500,respectively. In some implementations, the identifier 630 can include agroup of small flecks, particles, specks, spots, dots, whorls, arches,or any three-dimensional object or pattern, which are collectivelyreferred to herein as “flecks” that can be randomly disposed on the topcoating 611, the face stock layer 616, the under coating 611A, and theadhesive layer 614A. In some implementations, the identifier 630 caninclude a plurality of flecks having multiple colors, shapes, textures,and/or sizes distributed randomly on the top coating 611, the face stocklayer 616, the under coating 611A, and the adhesive layer 614A. In otherimplementations, the identifier 630 can include a first portion offlecks having a first color, shape, texture, and/or size, with the firstportion of flecks being disposed on the top coating 611. The identifier630 can also include a second portion of flecks having a second color,shape, texture, and/or size different from the first color, shape,texture, and/or size, and disposed on the face stock layer 616.Similarly, the identifier 630 can also include a third (and fourth)portion of flecks having a third (and a fourth) color, shape, texture,and/or size different from the first and the second color, shape,texture, and/or size, and disposed on the under coating 611A (and theadhesive layer 614A).

In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a processor, asignal representing an image of a serialization code and a plurality offlecks of a label. The plurality of flecks has a random distribution,and can include holographic flecks. The processor detects theserialization code, and a modification is applied to the image toproduce a modified image. The modification can include at least one ofcropping, deskewing, or adjusting a white balance of the image. Theprocessor identifies a subset of flecks (e.g., including 5 flecks) fromthe plurality of flecks within the modified image, and identifiesmetrics associated with each fleck from the subset of flecks. Theprocessor compares the identified metrics with metrics associated with aunique signature, and causes display, via a user interface, of a messageindicating an authenticity of the label based on the comparison. Theidentifying the subset of flecks can includes detecting a plurality ofunique features of the modified image, determining a characteristic foreach unique feature from the plurality of unique features, comparingeach of the characteristics with a plurality of predefinedcharacteristics to determine a plurality of matched features, andidentifying the plurality of matched features as the subset of flecks.The characteristic of each unique feature from the plurality of uniquefeatures can include one or more of: a size of that unique feature, acolor of that unique feature, or a shape of that unique feature. Themethod optionally also includes creating an annotated image based on thecomparison, and causing storage of the annotated image in a databaseoperably coupled to the processor.

In some embodiments, the metrics associated with each fleck from thesubset of flecks include a relative location of that fleck with respectto a location of the serialization code. The plurality of flecks caninclude flecks that are at least one of substantially planar,substantially square-shaped, or substantially rectangular-shaped.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a label, the label includinga substrate, a serialization code (e.g., including a bar code), and aplurality of flecks. The plurality of flecks has a random distribution,and the random distribution includes a plurality of different positionsand a plurality of different orientations relative to the substrate. Atleast a subset of flecks from the plurality of flecks forms a uniquesignature that is associated with a tangible product and that isconfigured to be captured by an imaging device for verification of anauthenticity of the tangible product. The label optionally also includesa top layer coupled to the substrate, and the plurality of flecks can berandomly disposed between the substrate and the top layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of flecks is disposed within at leastone of an adhesive layer, a base layer, or a face stock layer of thesubstrate.

In some embodiments, a first group of flecks from the plurality offlecks has a first color, and a second group of flecks from theplurality of flecks has a second color different from the first color.Alternatively or in addition, the at least one fleck from the pluralityof flecks can be configured to exhibit a predefined level of brightnesswhen illuminated.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory, processor-readable medium storesprocessor-executable instructions to: (i) receive a signal representingan image of a unique signature, the unique signature including aserialization code and a plurality of flecks, the plurality of fleckshaving a distribution, (ii) detect the serialization code, (iii) apply amodification to the image to produce a modified image, (iv) identify,within the modified image, a subset of flecks (e.g., including 5 flecks)from the plurality of flecks, (v) identify metrics associated with eachfleck from the subset of flecks, (vi) compare the identified metricswith metrics associated with the unique signature, and (vii) causedisplay, via a user interface, of a message indicating an authenticityof the unique signature based on the comparison. The instructions toapply a modification to the image can include instructions to one ofcrop, deskew, or adjust a white balance of the image. The instructionsto identify the subset of flecks from the plurality of flecks caninclude instructions to detect a plurality of unique features of themodified image, determine a characteristic for each unique feature fromthe plurality of unique features, compare each of the characteristicswith a plurality of predefined characteristics to determine a pluralityof matched features, and identify the plurality of matched features asthe subset of flecks. The processor-readable medium can also storeprocessor-executable instructions to repeat steps (i) to (vii) apredefined number of times, or until a desired confidence level isreached.

In some embodiments, the characteristic of each unique feature from theplurality of unique features includes one or more of: a size of thatunique feature, or a color of that unique feature.

In some embodiments, a first group of flecks from the plurality offlecks has a first color, and a second group of flecks from theplurality of flecks has a second color different from the first color.Alternatively or in addition, at least one fleck from the plurality offlecks can be configured to exhibit a predefined level of brightnesswhen illuminated.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, itshould be understood that they have been presented by way of exampleonly, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certainevents occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may bemodified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performedconcurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performedsequentially as described above. For example, although the method 400 isillustrated and described as assigning a serialization code to the goodafter characterizing the unique signature of the good, in otherembodiments, the assigning and characterizing can occur concurrently. Inanother example, the assigning can occur before the unique signature ischaracterized. In such an embodiment, the method 400 can optionallyinclude reading and processing the serialization code concurrent withreading and processing the unique signature. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the invention should not be limited by any of the above-describedembodiments. While the invention has been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood that various changes in form and details may be made.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, at aprocessor, a signal representing an image of a serialization code and anidentifier of a label including a set of flecks having a randomdistribution; detecting, via the processor, the serialization code;identifying, via the processor and within the image, the set of flecks;identifying, via the processor, metrics associated with each fleck fromthe set of flecks; comparing, via the processor, the identified metricswith metrics associated with a unique signature; and causing display,via a user interface, of a message indicating an authenticity of thelabel based on the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinidentifying the set of flecks includes: detecting a plurality of uniquefeatures of the image; determining, for each unique feature from theplurality of unique features, a characteristic; comparing each of thecharacteristics with a plurality of predefined characteristics todetermine a plurality of matched features; and identifying the pluralityof matched features as the set of flecks.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the characteristic of each unique feature from the plurality ofunique features is one of: a size of that unique feature, a color ofthat unique feature, or a shape of that unique feature.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: applying a modification to the image toproduce a modified image, wherein the modification includes at least oneof cropping, deskewing, or adjusting a white balance of the image. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the set of flecks includes at least 1fleck.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metrics associated witheach fleck from the set of flecks include a relative location of thatfleck with respect to a location of the serialization code.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: creating an annotated image basedon the comparison; and causing storage of the annotated image in adatabase operably coupled to the processor.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the set of flecks includes holographic flecks.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each fleck from the set of flecks has at least one of asubstantially planar shape, a substantially square shape, asubstantially polygonal shape, or a substantially rectangular shape. 10.An apparatus, comprising: a substrate including an adhesive layer, abase layer, or a face stock layer; a serialization code disposed on thesubstrate; and a set of flecks randomly distributed one of on thesubstrate or within at least one of the adhesive layer, the base layer,or the stock layer of the substrate, the set of flecks forming a uniquesignature that is associated with a tangible product and that isconfigured to be captured by an imaging device for verification of anauthenticity of the tangible product.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the set of flecks is disposed within the adhesive layer suchthat at least a portion of the face stock layer forms athree-dimensional pattern.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theserialization code includes a bar code.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the set of flecks is configured to exhibit a predefined level ofbrightness when illuminated.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theset of flecks is randomly distributed on a single plane within thesubstrate.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each fleck from afirst group of flecks from the set of flecks has a first color, and eachfleck from a second group of flecks from the set of flecks has a secondcolor different from the first color.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein each fleck from a first group of flecks from the set of fleckshas a first size, and each fleck from a second group of flecks from theset of flecks has a second size different from the first size.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising a top layer coupled to thesubstrate.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the set of flecks israndomly distributed within an undercoating of the substrate.
 19. Amethod comprising: illuminating a label; capturing an image of the labelwhen the label is illuminated; receiving, at a processor, a signalrepresenting the image of the label, the image of the label including aserialization code and a set of unique features; detecting, via theprocessor and based on the image of the label, the serialization codeand the set of unique features; identifying each unique feature from theset of unique features as a fleck from a set of flecks; determining, foreach fleck from the set of flecks, a characteristic from a plurality ofcharacteristics, to define a set of one or more characteristicsassociated with the set of flecks; and causing storage of the image ofthe label, the serialization code, and the set of one or morecharacteristics in a database operably coupled to the processor.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the image of the label is a first image ofthe label, the method further comprising: reading, with a reader devicecomprising an imaging component and a processor, the serialization code;capturing, with the imaging component, a second image of the label, thesecond image of the label including at least a portion of the set offlecks; identifying, via the processor of the reader device and withinthe second image of the label, a subset of flecks from the portion ofthe set of flecks; and associating the subset of flecks and theserialization code with a tangible product.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein the subset of flecks includes at least 5 flecks.
 22. The methodof claim 20, wherein identifying the subset of flecks from the portionof the set of flecks includes: detecting one or more distinguishingfeatures of the label; determining, for each distinguishing feature fromthe one or more distinguishing features of the label, one of a color, aposition, or an orientation; comparing each of the determined color,position or orientation with the set of one or more characteristics inthe database to determine a plurality of matched features; andidentifying the plurality of matched features as the subset of flecks.23. The method of claim 19, wherein the characteristic of each fleckfrom the set of flecks is one of: a size of that fleck, a color of thatfleck, or a shape of that fleck.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein theset of flecks includes holographic flecks.
 25. The method of claim 19,wherein each fleck from the set of flecks has at least one of asubstantially planar shape, a substantially square shape, asubstantially polygonal shape, or a substantially rectangular shape. 26.The method of claim 19, wherein the set of flecks is randomlydistributed within the label.
 27. The method of 19, wherein theilluminating the label includes using a predetermined illuminationprofile.
 28. An apparatus, comprising: a substrate including an adhesivelayer, a base layer, and a face stock layer; a serialization condedisposed on the substrate; and a set of flecks randomly distributedwithin the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the face stocklayer forms a three-dimensional pattern, the set of flecks forming aunique signature that is associated with a tangible product and that isconfigured to be captured by an imaging device for verification of anauthenticity of the tangible product.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28,wherein the serialization code includes a bar code.
 30. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the set of flecks is configured to exhibit apredefined level of brightness when illuminated.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the set of flecks is randomly distributed on a singleplane within the adhesive layer.
 32. The apparatus of claim 28, whereineach fleck from a first group of flecks from the set of flecks has afirst color, and each fleck from a second group of flecks from the setof flecks has a second color different from the first color.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 28, wherein each fleck from a first group of flecksfrom the set of flecks has a first size, and each fleck from a secondgroup of flecks from the set of flecks has a second size different fromthe first size.
 34. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a toplayer coupled to the substrate.
 35. An apparatus, comprising: asubstrate; a serialization code disposed on the substrate; and a set offlecks randomly distributed one of on or within the substrate, wherein:the set of flecks forms a unique signature that is associated with atangible product and that is configured to be captured by an imagingdevice for verification of an authenticity of the tangible product, andeach fleck from a first group of flecks from the set of flecks has afirst color, and each fleck from a second group of flecks from the setof flecks has a second color different from the first color.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein the substrate includes an adhesive layer,a base layer, or a face stock layer.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36,wherein the set of flecks is disposed within at least one of theadhesive layer, the base layer, or the stock layer of the substrate. 38.The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the set of flecks is disposed withinthe adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the face stock layerforms a three-dimensional pattern.
 39. The apparatus of claim 35,wherein the serialization code includes a bar code.
 40. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the set of flecks is configured to exhibit apredefined level of brightness when illuminated.
 41. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the set of flecks is randomly distributed on a singleplane within the substrate.
 42. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein eachfleck from a third group of flecks from the set of flecks has a firstsize, and each fleck from a fourth group of flecks from the set offlecks has a second size different from the first size.
 43. Theapparatus of claim 35, further comprising a top layer coupled to thesubstrate.
 44. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the set of flecks israndomly distributed within an undercoating of the substrate.
 45. Anapparatus, comprising: a substrate; a serialization code disposed on thesubstrate; and a set of flecks randomly distributed one of on or withinthe substrate, wherein: the set of flecks forms a unique signature thatis associated with a tangible product and that is configured to becaptured by an imaging device for verification of an authenticity of thetangible product, and each fleck from a first group of flecks from theset of flecks has a first size, and each fleck from a second group offlecks from the set of flecks has a second size different from the firstsize.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the substrate includes anadhesive layer, a base layer, or a face stock layer.
 47. The apparatusof claim 46, wherein the set of flecks is disposed within at least oneof the adhesive layer, the base layer, or the stock layer of thesubstrate.
 48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the set of flecks isdisposed within the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of theface stock layer forms a three-dimensional pattern.
 49. The apparatus ofclaim 45, wherein the serialization code includes a bar code.
 50. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the set of flecks is configured toexhibit a predefined level of brightness when illuminated.
 51. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the set of flecks is randomly distributedon a single plane within the substrate.
 52. The apparatus of claim 45,further comprising a top layer coupled to the substrate.
 53. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the set of flecks is randomly distributedwithin an undercoating of the substrate.